Detect and remove adware—for free!

Get rich quick! Lose weight in a day! Who or what is throwing ad after dodgy ad at your screen? Welcome to adware or “advertising software”. It’s obtrusive, annoying, sneaky… and unlike its more glamorous cousins (viruses, highly developed ransomware attacks and Deepfakes, to name but a few), it rarely makes headlines because it isn’t blatantly malicious. Think fly rather than wasp at a picnic. Officially, adware is considered a PUA, so it’s an “unwanted application” but carries a threat level below the category of malware. It would still make Santa’s “naughty” list though: It attacks by stealth to take over your web browser and bombard you with ads. It may even expose your personal data to cybercriminals…

Thankfully, help is at hand! Read on to find out how you get it, how to spot it and most importantly: How to eliminate this pest with the Avira Adware Cleaner. It’s available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices (plus, it’s free!).

How do you get adware?

Pretty much no-one intentionally downloads adware, but we still give it a helping hand. There are two main ways it sneaks onto your computer. Firstly, when you download a program, usually freeware or shareware, it can install adware without you being aware. (Warning: That’s most likely why the software is free! The revenue generated by the ads is the real price.) Adware can also be bundled up like an unwanted passenger and travel with legitimate software. Be cautious!

The second method is even sneakier. You visit a website that’s infected with adware. It slips through a vulnerability in your web browser to deliver a “drive-by download”. Once inside, the adware starts collecting your information, and may redirect you to a malicious website or hurl ads at you.

How can you tell you’re infected?

It’s happened. You visited the website. You downloaded freeware. (You’re only human). What happens next?

• Web pages that you often visit aren’t displaying properly.
• Ads appear in places they shouldn’t be.
• Your web browser’s homepage has changed, and the browser slows down or crashes.
• New toolbars and extensions appear in your browser.
• Website links redirect to unexpected sites.

Above all, you can wave your online privacy goodbye: Your online behavior is now being collected and you’re being tracked. Prevention is better than a cure, so read on to be proactive about adware.

Surf more safely and freely with the Avira Adware Cleaner

Did you know that one in four virus attacks starts with an infected ad? Adware detection and removal is therefore an essential part of your defense strategy! It does more than help prevent an influx of ads: It can shield your online privacy and is designed to prevent redirects to dangerous websites. But which adware cleaner can you trust for the job and how reputable is the company behind it?

Consider this: The anti-adware tool from Avira is part of Avira Free Security. Avira was founded in Germany in 1986 and has decades of experience in helping its customers stay safer online. So, you’re not just minimizing ads but helping to safeguard your digital life.

Adware scanners are part of your online defense team

Malicious ads are a potential doorway to your device and precious personal data. For effective protection, don’t try and target adware in isolation. Put a comprehensive security strategy in place: Install trusted anti-virus/anti-malware software and be rigorous about keeping it updated. Did you know that outdated software has loopholes known to cybercriminals? Slam those doors with regular updates!

Avira has a portfolio of security and online privacy products that have scored top marks in independent tests. If it’s just trusted anti-malware you’re after, consider Avira Free Antivirus, or the premium, ad-free experience of Avira Antivirus Pro. This includes an advanced detection system to help block even the newest ransomware. Be sure to add in a Software Updater, like Avira Software Updater to help keep it all in ship shape. You’ll be especially glad the next time you’re on a Zoom call—the free Avira tool quickly fixes security flaws in all commonly used programs, including video-conferencing apps. You can also wave goodbye to pesky update reminders and rest assured that updates are clean (so no more hunting around). For a fully automatic version that does it all for you, there’s no beating Avira Software Updater Pro.

If online privacy is a big concern, don’t stop at an adware blocker. Do you find it creepy that you can google for a new coat and then be inundated with ads for coats? That’s because even legitimate advertisers can track your IP address to send you targeted ads. A VPN is essential to mask your online activities and encrypt your web traffic. For greater online security and freedom, even on public Wi-Fi, try the free Avira Phantom VPN. Love streaming? The Pro version comes with no data limits.

For greater peace of mind, put a truly awesome online defense force in place with an Avira suite, like Avira Free Security. It takes a three-pronged approach with essential security, online privacy, and performance tools. It’s premium cousin, Avira Prime, comes at a small monthly cost, but includes all Avira pro features. If software came with an all-inclusive, first-class lounge, this would be it.

The Adware Cleaner: small but mighty protection from a cybersecurity leader

The free Avira adware removal, scanner, and cleaner is best served up as part of a comprehensive digital strategy. That’s why it’s cunningly nestled in the Free Security suite of online privacy and protection solutions. If you just want the adware cleaner though, you’ll find it as part of a discreet browser extension called Avira Browser Safety. This helps identify and block unwanted application downloads and recommends secure alternatives. Get it for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. It also helps you find the best deals on items you’re looking for. Happy shopping!

As a leading cybersecurity brand in Germany, Avira has been innovating and adapting continuously to an ever-changing digital world. Its portfolio of integrated products is tough on cyberthreats but light on your machine and so easy to use—in fact, many are powered by just a few clicks. Avira is adamant that security and privacy aren’t just a privilege but should be accessible to all. That’s why you’re invited to protect yours, for free